Few drum machines have left as indelible a mark on the music landscape as the CR-78, and Cherry Audio‘s faithful recreation now brings this iconic instrument into the modern production environment with expanded capabilities that far exceed the original hardware.
First introduced in 1978, the original CR-78 pioneered the use of analog drum voices rather than samples, creating a distinctive sound palette that has influenced countless recordings across multiple genres. The CR-78 was the first rhythm machine to incorporate a microprocessor for enhanced control and precision.
The CR-78’s innovative analog synthesis revolutionized rhythm programming, leaving its unmistakable sonic fingerprint across decades of musical evolution.
Cherry Audio’s plugin meticulously models the CR-78’s analog synthesis methods to guarantee authentic sound reproduction while adding modern functionality. The recreation preserves all 14 of the original percussion sounds, including the signature “metallic beat” created by three filtered square waves that add a chime-like quality to hi-hats and cymbals.
Users can access the complete set of 34 factory presets spanning diverse styles from Rock and Disco to Bossa Nova and Mambo, with A/B variations for each pattern. Unlike the original’s limitations, this plugin version replaces the need for an external WS-1 box for step programming custom patterns.
The modernized interface dramatically improves workflow compared to the original hardware’s limited programming capabilities. An intuitive X0X-style sequencer allows for 16- or 24-step pattern creation with flexible copy-paste functionality and real-time step entry.
The plugin expands the sound palette with over 250 additional rhythm and sound presets that extend far beyond the classic CR-78 tones. Much like ergonomic drum setups, the plugin’s interface prioritizes ease of reach for all controls, enabling drummers to quickly access key parameters without awkward movements.
For mixing purposes, the plugin incorporates a thorough Effects/Mixer panel featuring studio-quality overdrive, flanger, delay, and gated reverb. Each drum sound can be individually controlled with dedicated level, pan, mute, and solo controls.
Dedicated drummers can set specific practice goals with this plugin to improve their programming skills while tracking progress across different rhythmic styles and patterns. The Song Mode functionality enables arranging up to 99 patterns with 99 steps each, effectively creating complete arrangements within the plugin itself.
External MIDI triggering with velocity sensitivity and user-assignable mappings guarantees seamless integration with modern DAWs and controllers. Individual audio outputs provide flexible routing options for complex production setups, making this revival both a faithful homage to a classic and a powerful tool for contemporary music production.
